You run your fingers through your hair and feel a familiar sense of dread. Short, brittle pieces stick out, refusing to blend with the rest of your length. Or maybe you notice an alarming amount of hair in your brush or on your shoulders. Hair breakage can feel frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re trying your best to care for your strands. The good news is that breakage is often a sign that your hair is asking for a different kind of attention.
Hair breaks when it loses its strength and elasticity, and the causes are usually linked to our daily habits and routines. By identifying the culprit, you can start on the path to healthier, more resilient hair.
Common Habits That Lead to Breakage
Many of us cause breakage without even realizing it. Using harsh hair ties that pull and snag can create weak points along the hair shaft. Rough towel-drying creates friction, roughing up the protective outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle. Even brushing your hair from the roots down when it’s wet can put too much stress on the strands, as hair is most fragile when saturated with water.
The Hidden Damage from Heat and Chemicals
If you frequently use hot tools like flat irons or curling wands, the intense heat can literally boil the moisture inside your hair, leaving it dry and prone to snapping. Chemical processes are another major factor. Hair dyes, relaxers, and perms alter your hair’s natural structure to achieve a new look, but this often comes at the cost of its inherent strength, making it more vulnerable to breaking.
Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?
Sometimes, the issue goes beyond what you put on your hair. Your overall health plays a significant role. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, protein, and certain vitamins like biotin, can mean your body isn’t getting the building blocks it needs to produce strong hair. Significant stress or hormonal changes can also push your hair into a resting phase, leading to shedding and weaker new growth.
Gentle Changes for Stronger Strands
Start by being kinder to your hair. Swap your regular towel for a soft, microfiber one or an old t-shirt to reduce friction. Always detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up. Give your hair a break from heat styling when you can, and when you do use hot tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can help restore moisture and flexibility.
Addressing hair breakage is a journey of replacing harsh habits with gentle ones. Pay close attention to how your hair responds to different products and routines. With consistent care and a little patience, you can help your hair regain its strength and reduce those frustrating broken pieces.